DC-6B question...

[beeker46]

the FSX version, that is...

On the Throttle panel there is a cross feed gauge; two levers with three settings, 'off', 'left &right' and 'all'. Default position is in 'off'. When I use the notepad to set my fuel load and start things up, the aircraft drains from the main tanks first (labeled external 1/2), and never touches the aux tanks. Now, does that cross feed apparatus work in FSX? if so, how does it work, other than moving a level to another position than 'off'? I would like to transfer fuel from the untouched aux tanks to the mains during the flight, otherwise (if the mains are drained dry) the engines shut off, while the aux tanks are still holding fuel. For whatever reason, all the tanks do not drain at the same time, no matter what I change the aircraft.cfg file to. So, how do I move that fuel over in the DC-6B without manually adding fuel in the fuel/payload screen?

[Tom/CalClassic]

Hi,

You cannot transfer fuel in any propliner I am aware of. Not allowed. If you want to start using fuel from the AUX tanks, move the 4 fuel levers on the left to the AUX position. After using up the fuel in those tanks, switch the levers back to MAIN for the landing (at least). Typically the 6s took off on the MAINs, switched to the AUX tanks, and then when used up switched back to the MAINs for the rest of the flight.

The only real use for the Cross Feed levers is when you have an engine out, and you need to use fuel from a tank connected to the dead engine (which is not normally connected to the other engines). The first lever position crossfeeds to engines on the same wing, and the second lever position crossfeeds even between engines on opposite wings. Left lever is left wing, right lever is right wing. I guess you could also use it if you get an unbalanced fuel load, but that shouldn't really happen with all 4 engines operating normally.

There are fuel use diagrams in the download. Look in Aircraft/dc6pnlKMCC/DC-6B PANEL OPERATIONS/IMAGES.

dc6b cross feed.jpg
dc6b fuel loading.jpg
dc6b fuel operation.jpg

These are linked if you use the Start Here.htm file in the DC-6B PANEL OPERATIONS folder, and then click on the 2. CalClassic Modifications link (Fuel section).

Hope this helps,

[beeker46]

Ahhhhhh... wonderful. I see those levers you are referring to. I like that idea, much like the 4-tank mod for the DC-3 over at DC3Airways. Now I have it, and that makes things even better when flying the -6B. Thanks for pointing that out, Tom.